Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow

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Clinically Relevant Anatomy

Involved anatomy of this disorder includes the radial head or the central and/or lateral aspect of the capitellum.

Outcome Measures

An outcome measure appropriate for this injury is the DASH questionnaire which measures disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand as they relate to everyday function. 

Management / Intervention

Conservative care for this condition include physical therapy, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rest from sport from 6-8 weeks, and bracing. 

Surgical management may be an option if conservative care fails or if the lesion is Grade III or higher.

Surgical interventions are aimed at:

Promoting re-vascularization to the area

Debriding the area

Fragment stabilization

Bone grafting if needed

Most of these procedures are done arthroscopically (minimally invasive via portal sites); although depending on the size of the loose fragments an open procedure may be required.

Differential Diagnosis

If there is no radiologic confirmation of osteochondritis dissecans, other diagnoses may include inflammatory arthritides, osteoarthritis, bone cysts, and septic arthritis.

Key Evidence

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